International Studies Major and Minor

The bachelor of arts in international studies is an interdisciplinary program. The major is administratively housed in the department of political science.

International Studies Major

A major in international studies consists of 10 required courses and four courses in an area of concentration.

The required courses are:

ECON 101

PSCI 200, 207, 349, *355

PSCI 338 or HIST 338

THEOL 336

IS 498 Senior Seminar

Two 300 or 400 level courses in any modern laguage. Plus three electives selected in consultation with an advisor and the director of the International Studies program. If the advisor and the director agree, students may count language courses above the 200-level which are not counted in the Foreign Language major/minor, if there is clear rationale.

Students may substitute ECON 310, but should be aware that ECON 101 and 102 are prerequisites for that course. ECON 101 is a prerequisite for PS 349.

Internship /Study Abroad

As part of the international studies major, students are strongly advised to undertake an internship in the international field (government, the private sector, international organizations, institutions or societies), to study abroad for a summer or semester, or to work on a project related to the international field. The internship may be substituted for a three-credit course in the student's area of concentration.

International Studies majors who also wish to major or minor in Political Science should speak to an academic advisor in the department for specific requirements.

International Studies Minor

The international studies minor consists of the following courses, for a total of 18 credit hours:

ECON 101

PSCI 200

PSCI 207

ECON 310

PSCI 338 or HIST 338

In addition, students must fulfill their Veritas Domain requirement by taking THEO 336

Learning Goals of the International Studies Major

Students in the International Studies major will be able to:

Understand the basic functioning of state and non-state actors in the international political system, which includes a working knowledge of the international economic system, as well as theoretical paradigms grounding the disciplines comprising international affairs.

Undertake critical analysis of events and issues in the field of international affairs, and demonstrate competency in such analysis through written and verbal discourse.

Discuss socio-cultural differences in the world, demonstrating an awareness of the diversity of cultural and political expressions and the interaction of cultures in the modern world.

Develop and conduct original research in the field of international affairs that utilizes appropriate evaluative research methodology and draws upon disciplinary standards of excellence in scholarship and writing.

Address critical ethical and moral challenges to the international system.